Anton Ninno is not a chess master. He’ll be the first to tell you
that. He’ll also be the first to tell you about the power of chess. Regardless
of whether you’re rich or poor, a nerd or a jock, you can enjoy a game.
Regardless of your skin color or your native tongue, you speak the same
language when you play chess.
“Chess is magic,”
Anton said. “It just works for some kids. I don’t know why.”
Anton is the
founder of Syracuse NY Chess Association, the winner of the top prize $2,000
grant at the most recent Salt City DISHES community dinner. Syracuse Chess aims
to teach children life skills through chess clubs and tournaments.
He was
introduced to DISHES by his daughter, who mentioned that it might be a good way
to get the word out about the Syracuse NY Chess Association. Anton approached
the presentation with hopes of networking.
“I was as
surprised as anyone that we actually won,” he said.
The attitude he
hopes to instill in young chess players is the same; it’s more than just
victory or defeat, it’s the words you share in the meantime.
“It doesn't
matter if you’re the winner or the loser,” he explained. “You do the same
thing. You have the same conversation.”
Since winning
the grant, Anton and his team have been expanding their reach to local
libraries and community centers around the city. They teach chess workshops and
help organize tournaments. Each location has its own flavor, he explained,
adding that while the program was designed for children, Syracuse Chess has
managed to reach adults, too.
When it comes
down to it, for anyone he’s teaching, chess is just a game. But it’s also so
much more than that. For one student who joined chess club in first grade, the
game might have been a nudge toward the right path for the future, Anton
pondered, explaining that the young boy got serious about school because he wanted
to stay in the club.
“Maybe chess
saved his life,” Anton said.
You can find additional coverage on the Syracuse NY Chess Association here:
You can find additional coverage on the Syracuse NY Chess Association here:
- https://issuu.com/55plus-cny/docs/55_cny_-june-july_final/c/smdmkg4
- http://www.mysouthsidestand.com/more-news/chess-championship/
- http://www.mysouthsidestand.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/TheStandSummer2016.pdf
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